January 2013

In the summer of 2012, Father Albert Shuyaka came to the USA for medical treatment. His friend, Ami Milla, posted this update on December 23, 2012.

Father Albert came back to the U.S. seeking medical treatment for some pain he had been experiencing back in Congo. Over the months, the doctors determined the pain was related to his liver, but were having a difficult time coming up with a diagnosis. Each passing month, his pain became more acute and his spirits more dampened. He was frustrated that he was separated from his beloved ministry work in Congo, and very concerned that his health seemed to be getting worse, not better. Last month he spent 10 days in the hospital with pneumonia.

An infectious disease specialist was able to diagnose Father Albert’s liver condition, and provide medications. The American doctor told him that the pain should be gone within two months. He will assess his situation at that time to determine if Father Albert will continue with the medications.

In the mean time, Father Albert continues to reside at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Land O’Lakes Florida. He has a nurse that is attending doctor appointments with him now to make sure he understands all of the information. He is relieved and, for the first time in months, hopeful.

Up until this time, he has wanted to keep his condition private. He didn’t have a diagnosis and he was feeling too poorly to communicate to all of his beloved friends. It is uncomfortable for him to sit at a chair and type out emails. Bending at the waist still hurts him.

With his permission, I’m sharing this update with you. Together, let’s lift up Father Albert in prayer. May he feel the love and support of his American friends, and may our loving Heavenly Father wrap Himself around Albert restoring his body, and demonstrating the unparallelled love and protection of the One that created him.

If you would like to send Father Albert a card, you can send it to the address below. Please don’t expect or ask for a reply just now. Let’s let him rest and heal for a couple of months. When he is better, I’m sure he will be reaching out to you himself. His spirits are already perking up.